PROGRAM PROFILE
Sigma Nu Institute Trains New Leaders

When Patrick McConnell (Washington State) graduates he hopes to go to business school to earn either an MBA or an advanced degree in finance, but today he's leading a different kind of business as Commander of the Sigma Nu chapter at Washington State University.

As a newly elected Commander, McConnell was invited to attend the Sigma Nu Institute in January for intense practical training at the hands of some of the most experienced leaders in the Fraternity.

Each year, new Commanders are elected and step into chapter leadership. They are immediately responsible for budgets, members, events and risk management at a level
Patrick McConnell
(Washington State)
greater than many small businesses. Even for experienced chapter officers, leadership takes on a whole new meaning when they, in essence, become the CEO of their chapter. As often happens, retiring chapter officers complete their duties, and even those with the best intentions may not take the time to properly prepare younger men to take the helm. That fact alone necessitates increased training to prepare these new leaders for a successful term of office.

Prior to the Sigma Nu Institute, "I wasn't at all prepared to be Commander," says McConnell. "Going into this position I really had no formal training or transition and no idea of exactly what I was supposed to do," he explains. In a matter of a few days, however, the Institute curriculum covered topics ranging from risk reduction to delegation and strategic planning and how to implement effective leadership strategies.

McConnell admits to being nervous about his new position. "I was initially concerned that I wouldn't do a good job. I would have figured it out eventually, but by then the year would be half over. After the Institute I felt much more prepared for what was to come, and I was excited about coming back and getting into it," he shares.

McConnell says one of the most important things he learned at the Institute was how to communicate effectively. "I don't think people realize how difficult it is to communicate with others. Until you get into a leadership position you think, 'Why wouldn't they listen to me?' But I've learned that it's not always that simple," he explains. The communication skills he learned at the Institute will also help him in a business especially when he begins managing employees, says McConnell.

There were some other basic ideas that he was able to bring back to his chapter as a result of the Institute. They'd never had a strategic plan in the past. They would set goals but never write them down, agree upon them as a chapter or make a plan for how to accomplish them. That was one thing McConnell's been able to implement already, and he says that it has helped a great deal.

Even after having served as Lieutenant Commander, Treasurer and Public Relations Chairman in prior semesters, McConnell emphasized the importance of the training he received at the Sigma Nu Institute to prepare him for his role as Commander. "It's not that any of us were incapable of doing the job prior to attending. It's just that those who get the training are better off and much more prepared for the position."

Initially, when Patrick got the call to attend, he was concerned he wouldn't be able to go because of the cost. After finding out that transportation from Washington to Virginia as well as his costs to attend the Institute would be covered by Foundation contributions, he was thrilled. "I want to say thank you to the donors who made it possible for me to attend the Institute. The opportunity to go to Virginia, visit the headquarters and meet other Commanders from across the country and have a shared experience was incredible," says McConnell. "Thank You!"

The Sigma Nu Educational Foundation subsidized the cost for 24 Commanders to attend the Sigma Nu Institute held in January. The goal for the near future is for every Commander from every chapter to attend. The projected cost for each participant is $900. If you would like more information about the Sigma Nu Institute or to find out how you can provide a scholarship for your chapter's Commander to attend future Institutes, please contact James Owens at 540-463-1869.